title: [Elementary introduction to the development of acu-moxibustion implements].
abstract: In the treatment of various clinical conditions, acu-moxibustion implements are absolutely necessary. In the present paper, the authors make a systemic investigation on the developmental course of acu-moxibustion implements from (1) acupuncture needles, (2) moxibustion materials and tools, and (3) modern therapeutic apparatuses for acu-moxibustion. Regarding the acupuncture needle, the authors reviewed its histological evolution from the Bian-needle (stone needle), bone needle, metal needle, nine types of needles, etc., to the disposable sterile acupuncture needle. The authors also comprehensively recount the improvement of materials and auxiliary appliances for moxibustion in different periods, and the process of development and application traits of modern electroacupuncture and moxibustion instruments. In this way, this article outlines the whole development of acu-moxibustion implements from the antiquity to the present in China.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Acu-moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
authors.forename: Wen-bin
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Su-yun
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Qing-yan
authors.initials: QY
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Li-jian
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D026881:Acupuncture / Q000266:history*; D002681:China; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D009071:Moxibustion / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation*